DOWN ON THE FARM: In celebration of Land Trust Day/National Trails Day, the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy will host a special tour of its Alexander Community Farm and a volunteer event to improve infrastructure Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area in East Tennessee. Photo courtesy of SAHC
Press release:
National Trails Day/Land Trust Day on Saturday, June 4 to support, appreciate conservation
Shop, dine, hike or volunteer to support conservation with Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
Asheville, NC – On Saturday, June 4, the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) is organizing events across the mountains of Western North Carolina and East Tennessee to celebrate National Trails Day and raise funds for local land and water conservation. To connect people with unique protected lands, SAHC will host two events — a guided hike at its Community Farm property in Alexander, N.C., and a volunteer workday to improve public trails in the Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area near Roan Mountain, Tenn. Also in conjunction with National Trails Day, several local businesses will donate a percentage of the day’s sales to SAHC to support ongoing conservation efforts.
“Throughout the year, we work to protect productive farmland that feeds our communities, exceptional landscapes that people enjoy through outdoor recreation, and water resources that provide us with clean water,” says Cheryl Fowler, SAHC Membership Director. “Businesses in this region, like Mast General Store, understand the direct connection between conservation and the people who enjoy living in and travelling to visit this area. We are grateful to our Land Trust Day partners for recognizing the importance of this work, and standing up to support conservation by donating a portion of sales on Land Trust Day.”
Land Trust Day is held on the first Saturday in June, in conjunction with National Trails Day, to recognize and raise support for land trusts like SAHC because conservation provides public benefits and protects places for people to enjoy fishing, hiking, biking, camping and more. Mast General Store (Asheville and Waynesville locations), New Morning Gallery, Blue Spiral 1 Gallery, Fine Arts Theatre, Early Girl Eatery, Second Gear, Bellagio Art to Wear, Bellagio Everyday and Traveling Chic Boutique will each donate a percentage of sales to SAHC on Saturday, June 4 to support land and water conservation.
GIVING BACK: In support of Land Trust Day, several local businesses will donate a portion of their sales to support SAHC’s land and water conservation efforts. Image via SAHC
National Trails Day/Land Trust Day Hike on SAHC Community Farm in Alexander, NC — 10 a.m.
During a moderately easy, family-friendly guided tour along the Discovery Trail at the SAHC Community Farm participants will learn about various projects, including SAHC’s Farmer Incubator Program. Hikers will walk through active farming areas, see the successfully restored streams flowing through the property, discuss the shortleaf pine restoration project and get a preview of the newly renovated education facility. Optional: Bring a lunch and blanket or camp chairs and enjoy a picnic on the farm following the hike. This hike is free for SAHC members or $10 for non-members. Registration is required. For more info or to register for this hike, contact Haley Smith at (828) 253-0095 ext. 205 or haley@appalachian.org.
National Trails Day Volunteer Opportunity at Hampton Creek Cove, Tenn. — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
BLAZING TRAILS: As part of its June 4 Land Trust Day celebrations, SAHC is calling for volunteers to help improve trail infrastructure at the Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area in East Tennessee. Photo courtesy of SAHC
Seven miles of public trails cross the Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area, including a certified section of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail. As part of National Trails Day, SAHC is calling for volunteers to help finish some infrastructure trail improvements, including trimming around new hiker stiles, installing signage and performing general trail maintenance. Volunteers will meet at the Hampton Creek Cove parking area at 10 a.m. and spend the day cutting brush and weeds and putting up new trail signs and markers. Plan to work for approximately 4 hours, with a break for lunch. Volunteers are welcome to come for the entire workday or just a part, and should wear sturdy shoes and bring rain gear, sunscreen, lunch and water. SAHC will provide hand tools, work gloves, and other safety equipment. To sign up to volunteer, please contact Marquette Crockett at marquette@appalachian.org by May 31st.
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About Max Hunt
Max Hunt grew up in South (New) Jersey and graduated from Warren Wilson College in 2011. History nerd; art geek; connoisseur of swimming holes, hot peppers, and plaid clothing. Follow me @J_MaxHunt
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